Business Administration, Management and Operations at Cosumnes River College

The first-year earnings of $19,699 look alarming—this program ranks in just the 10th percentile among California business programs—but that number demands context given the small sample size. By year four, graduates are earning $47,063, which actually exceeds not only the California median ($29,222) but even the state's top performers like Mendocino College. This dramatic 139% earnings growth suggests many students may be working part-time immediately after graduation while building toward better opportunities.

The $5,500 debt load is genuinely excellent, sitting well below both the state median ($7,988) and national average ($13,980). At less than a third of first-year earnings, this debt is manageable even during the initially lean period. The real question is whether that first year represents students still in school, transitioning between roles, or facing genuine employment challenges.

With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, treat these numbers as suggestive rather than definitive. The fourth-year outcomes show real promise—outpacing even Sacramento City College down the road—but the small sample means one or two high earners could be skewing results. For families prioritizing minimal debt while a student tests business as a career path, this could work. For those counting on immediate post-graduation income, the first-year risk is real, even if temporary.